Ashes in May Ch. 7 Max vs. Ash
Please forgive me but I skipped most of the tournament as I will also do the same to the contest. See, I really just want to get to the parts where both of the opponents are people, we know, meaning the battles with either Ash, Max or May. Either way, I think it'll be good.
I want to say that Pokemon will be able to use all attacks a Pokemon has ever known. However, in official Pokemon battles, Pokemon can only use four attacks. Once four attacks have been used those are the only ones that can be used for the remainder of the battle. For this chapter and the next, they'll be using more than four moves as I want to see how it goes. If I don't like it, it will be as I just said.
[Semifinals Round: Ash Ketchum Vs. Max Maple]
"As we've reached out semifinal round, we have four contestants left. We have Max, Moon, May, and our very own Champion Ash Ketchum," Hala paused to allow the crowd to cheer and shout, "Now the four of you look at the screen for your next match." They did so look up at the screen as their images flipped backward and shuffled themselves before revealing themselves.
"The first match will between May vs. Moon; while the second match of the semifinals will be Ash and Max. Those of the first match proceed to your places on the battlefield," Hala spoke with direction.
[Time-Skip after May one her battle]
Ash walked up to his spot gazing over at his friend and opponent, "Well, Max you ready? This may not be an official match against the Alola champ, still I won't hold back!" "I'd be offended if you did. Don't hold your punches Ash," Max yelled back Pokeball in hand.
"This will be a two on two battle. Only one substitution is allowed per trainer. The winner will be decided when both of one of the opponents Pokemon are unable to battle. All other standard battle regulations stand. Release your Pokemon," ordered the ref.
Max threw his Pokeball first. "Sceptile let's do this!" "I choose you, Sceptile!" called out Ash throwing his Pokeball. In an instant, there were to large green reptilian Pokemon who sized each other up. One was clearly older though had to tell by appearance, instead, its age was revealed by the way it held itself. It was calm and aura of experience through difficult battles. Upon appearing it got into a steady battle-ready position yet holding a knowing smile. As per usual a blade of, "grass," jetting from its mouth making its uniqueness. The younger of the two, however, was a bit flashier, compared to the other, showing off it large leaf blades and swaying its tail from side to side. When it came to many grass types things just as the length of leaves, as well as color, reflected the amount of care and health the Pokemon had. It was not surprising to see that arm and tail blades were long and firm. It stood with an eager expression letting its youthful energy. With its tail swing and leaf blades shown proudly it proclaimed with child-like enthusiasm, "Scep scept tile!" Ash's Sceptile grinned but remained steady in its position. Now don't get it wrong, Sceptile was not much older than Max's Sceptile. Sceptile had just as much energy as the younger of his species; the main difference was that Sceptile had been through more difficult battle and life-threatening situations that when it came to battles it was ready to battle at its best and wisest.
Ash closed his eyes for a moment to let his energy reach out to his Pokemon and as it made contact with it, he felt the strong bond they shared letting his thoughts reach his Pokemon. Ash could sense Sceptile's excitement at being able to compare its skills against the lesser experienced Sceptile. In response, Ash simply let him who that they need to show Max why Ash and his Pokemon were the strongest team in Alola.
"This may not be an official match, but I'll let you have the fist move May," Ash divulged with a smug face knowing it would light a fire inside Max. "That was your first mistake, Ash," Max said with determination, "Sceptile use agility!" The green replied roared before shooting across the field appearing and disappearing from sight as it literally ran circled around Ash's Sceptile. (A/N: Max's Sceptile is just Sceptile, while Ash is A-Sceptile. As its too much of a hassle to wright Ash's or Max's every single time. The A isn't pronounced).
A-Sceptile was impressed with his opponent's speed quickly noticing that Sceptile was naturally faster than most of their species and was much faster thanks to the drastic boot from agility. Still, it remained still as Ash did not order an attack. Max noticed this took action happing to act before Ash could enact whatever it was, he was planning, "Use Acrobatics from behind!" With a flash, Sceptile came from behind all leaves in its body glowing with white energy as it attacked. "Side-step them all," was all Ash commanded confidently. Sceptile first attack came from behind as it launched itself forward when his adversary took one step to the right not even bothering to turn around. "Use your tail to reach!" Max exclaimed watching Pokemon do just that. Using its to arms to stabilize from the drop in a handstand position Sceptile swung its think needle filled tail at A-Sceptile. The two Ash's surprise the tail hit its mark, well sort off. A-Sceptile rose its arm blocking most of the impact by energizing is own leave with the power of a leaf blade. What he could not block became small bruises over its green skin, yet it was not powerful enough to move A-Sceptile to move an in from its spot. Having hit its target Sceptile used the force from the attack to jump back to a safe distance. Ash and A-Sceptile looked rather impressed as it was very rare for most to even come close to hitting A-Sceptile. Max's Sceptile must have trained greatly to achieve such a thing.
Ash grinned excitedly feeling the excitement flaring from his Pokemon. Ash crossed his arms over his chest expressing his dominance, "Max, my compliments to you Sceptile. It's been a while since anyone had come close to landing a hit on Sceptile. My Elite Four are one of the only few who have been able to land more than a few hits on A-Sceptile for a long time. I hate to break it to you though, that's not happening again." The Champion commanded his Pokemon to use Flash followed by Hone Clay. In seconds states were decreased and raised respectively. With a cry of pain, Sceptile took a few steps back eyes shut, while Max quickly asking his started if it was alright. "Now, Sceptile use Focus Blast," Ash said as his Pokemon quickly took action. The plan was to slow Sceptile down by impairing its vision then using the increase to his Pokémon's accuracy as a combined force to ensure the attack would land. Once the ball of fighting aura was formed A-Sceptile launched it at its adversary. Max's eyes widened seeing the rather large attack heading their way. "Sceptile, dodge!" Max commanded. Sceptile had just barely begun to open its eyes when the attack hit dead on knocking the Pokemon to the floor.
The battle was not over though as it slowly rose back up. "Sceptile, you are doing okay?" Max asked getting a confirmation from the Pokemon, "Alright, then use Grass Knot double knotted!" Sceptile's eyes glowed a jade color as it summoned various vines to erupt beneath the field ensuring the older Pokemon in thick bindings. Once more Ash said nothing letting his Pokémon's limb be restrained by the vegetation letting his Pokemon know through aura that wanted to see what Max was planning. Of course, A-Sceptile knew his trainer was one for the eccentric and didn't worry patiently waiting for the next attack. "Grassy Terrain followed by Synthesis!" Immediately the Pokemon roared letting the field be covered by a lime green aura as a breeze carrying blades of grass through the air. Next up the same jade glow as before enveloped Sceptile's body restoring its health. Max smiled confidently and ordered his started to get in close for an attack. "A-Sceptile use Bullet Seed keep it back," Ash said calmly thinking of what to do. Once he had it he whispered, "When goes to block the Bullet Seed switch to Toxic to subtly damage the vine."
Of course, with the loud roar of the younger Sceptile no one head the whispered command from the Alolan Champion with the exception of A-Sceptile itself. A-Sceptile grinned before shooting a barrage of seed at his opponent boosted by the Grassy Terrain. "Sceptile use Leaf Blade to defend and keep going," Max yelled watching his Pokemon raise its arms using its glowing leaves as a shield. Just as his trainer had speculated A-Sceptile took the moment to spit a small amount of break the vines on its left arm and leg, however, due to Max's Sceptile's increase speed it was unable to finish. Max extended his pointing finger out, "Finish it with X-Scissor!" "Counter with Leaf Blade." In a clash of power, both attacks clashed but A-Sceptile was stronger easily pushing the other back. Max's and Sceptile looked in astonishment not understanding how or more over when Sceptile had broken free. Regaining his balance Sceptile proceeded to follow his trainer next order to unleash a barrage of Acrobatics. "Sceptile deflects all of it with Leaf Blade," Ash ordered knowing that his Pokemon was about to prove its strength. Sceptile launched itself at its fellow grass type with white glowing blades colliding with green-lit leaves. The battle instantly transformed into a sword fight of sorts as Sceptile used all its limps to attack its opponent only to be blocked by Leaf Blade every time. Max gritted his teeth before telling Sceptile to roundabout and coming at A-Sceptile from different angles. The younger Pokemon bounce from side to side, trying to aim for any weak point yet Ash's Pokemon blocked at every point. Sceptile dived down fainting an attack for A-Sceptile's knew bring its tail up in full swing only to be unsurprisingly and frustratingly to be countered by Leaf Blade. Due to being tired down A-Sceptile swiveled around using its arm to pull on the vines for support it swung its powerful tail taking full advantage of its advisory's handstand position to deliver a powerful final blow.
Sceptile cried in pain as it was gutted and sent flying across the field and unfortunately slamming into Max sending them both back. "Uugff!" Max let out as he landed with his unconscious Pokemon atop of him earning a gasp of worry from the crowd. The moment Ash and Sceptile say the trainer and Pokemon slam into each other they knew that had used too much power. Quickly, Ash ran over to the pain as A-Sceptile finished to free itself before joining. May, and the referee came running as well to the trainer and Pokemon. "Max, are you okay?!" May cried out rushing to Max's side to help him up after Ash gingerly pulled Sceptile off its trainer. Not that Sceptile was all that heavy, you know. Considering how many heavy things he's had to carry this was easy. Max groan before shaking his head to clear his head, "I'm fine, sis. I guess Sceptile is unable to battle, huh?" The referee nodded, "Do you think you can still battle, or do you need to see a doctor?" "Nah, I'm good," Max pulled out Sceptile's Pokeball and returned it, "Thanks, bud you did awesomely!"
Max thanks May for helping him up and giving her an assuring smile, "I'm fine. Go sit down and enjoy the rest of the match. I still in it to win it after all." May laughed then returned to where the other remaining contestants were. Once everyone returned to their respective positions the Referee spoked. "Max's Sceptile is unable to battle, thus Ash's Sceptile is the winner. Max, please send out your final Pokemon and Champion you may substitute your Pokemon now if you wish." Ash returned Sceptile to its pokeballs praising it for its hard work before replacing the pokeballs with that of his next Pokemon. "Let do this, Aggron!" Max called out throwing his pokeballs out over the field. Landing heavily on the battlefield it bellowed out loudly. There before everyone was the large iron armor Pokemon with noticeable healed over wounds and a few chips to the armor here and there.
From the stands, Elio looked down at Gary with a cute frown. "Gary, Aggron looks hurt. Why is Max using it to battle?" Gary understood where Elio was coming from, so he quoted the Pokedex, "Aggron, the iron armor Pokemon. It claims an entire mountain as its own. The more wounds it has, her more it has battles, so don't take it lightly." Elio what you're seeing at the scar left over from cuts Aggron got from battling a long time ago. It's not hurt but those marks show that it's a powerful Pokemon." "Oooh," came a chorus of voice from Elio and his class as the took in the word of the Pokemon professor which the young man had forgotten where there. "Gallade blades out!" Ash called out releasing his Pokemon. Once the Pokemon materialized a proud Gallade came into view as it with a different coloring then usual. In place of his normal emerald-green skin it had a deep sapphire blue, its chest horn was an orange color and atop its head, the head crest was a cool grey color along with orange-colored eyes. "Ga, Gallade." Look at the Pokemon starry-eyed and excitement clearly displace on his face, "Wow, that's a shiny Gallade! How did you find it?" "I'll tell you after the tournament, okay," Ash replied. "Now, with both Pokemon on the battlefield let the battle…begin!" the ref. announced.
This time Ash took his turn first calling out, "Gallade let start this thing but buffing up your attack with Swords Dance!" Ash knew his Pokemon was strong but still lack some training and experience that others like Sceptile for instance. So, as any good trainer, he needs to keep his head in the game to make up for his Pokémon's lack of experience. After all, that's what a trainer and Pokemon do, the make up for what each other is lacking. The blade Pokemon responded by extending his blades out and give the audience an opposing Pokemon a literal arm show. Slashing his bladed arms from side to side in a choreographed fashion all the while summoning bright sky-blue swords to encircle it, spin, then lean in toward the Pokemon before vanishing. Thus, a red-orange aura shot up over Gallade raising his attack power. Max looked pensive as the thought. Gallade had the type advantage as well as increasing attack power so it'd be best to keep at a distance at least for a while. Sure, Aggron had very high defense but it was double weak against fighting type moves. Still, he knew he could even the odds, "Let out a Screech!" Following orders, the metal beasts bellowed out a grand roar at Gallade who cover his ears in pain; it was so loud that those in the crowd covered their ears too. So, when the move finished, they all say the blue aura drastically lowering Gallade's defense. 'Perfect, with Gallade naturally low defense plus the decreased defense from the screech things will a bit easy, well he hoped.
"Alright Aggron use Stone Edge!" called out Max. "Aaggron!" yelled Aggron before stomping its foot on the ground making it shake. Stone Edge was one of those moves that was able to be used in many different ways. Sometimes used as projectiles that manifested surrounding the Pokemon before shooting out at fast speeds, while others it had sharp rock protrude from the ground in a line from. This time when Ash saw that neither did rock appear around Aggron or from the round sequentially he knew they would emerge from the ground around Gallade to entrap him like an iron maiden. So, with the ringing in his ears, Ash knew that it would be hard for Gallade to hear him so reach out with his energy letting his Pokemon know what to do next. 'Gallade use Psycho Cut!' ordered Ash and Gallade knew exactly what Ash wanted him to do. Gallade nodded and created a blade of psychic power though instead of sending it out he left the energy over his blades and in the moment the jagged stones burst up to, "impale," him he chanced his footing to adjust to his next more. Quickly, swiveling in place it using Psycho Cut to slice through the dense rock formations as if cutting through paper. The Champion quickly commanded a counterattack, "Go straight to it and use Brick Break!" 'No, you don't,' Max thought, "Don't let it get close Aggron blast flamethrower at Gallade's feet.
"Aggron!" exclaimed the steel type and did as told. "Huh?" said Ash confused, 'What is he trying to do? Gallade is more than fast enough to avoid getting his legs burnt…'. The flamethrower hit the sand in front of Gallade's feet causing the hot sand too shot up catching Gallade off guard as the hot sand goes into its eyes causing it lots of pain. "Now that Gallade can't see we have the advantage. Aggron use Heavy Slam. The giant beast of metal roared and charged at the psychic and fighting-type Pokémon. "Alright, Gallade stay still I'll be your eyes and I'll help you through this," yelled reaffirming the trust between trainer and Pokemon partner. "Alright, Master I trust you," spoke Gallade telepathically directly into Ash's head. "One more time run straight forward and use Brick Break! Be prepared for the recoil!" called out Ash. Gallade did as he was told and with great speed ran towards the charging Aggron. He was two quick that Aggron nor Max had time to retaliate. Gallade lifted his arm and then hit Aggron dead on the chest. He steadied his footing and bracing his entire body for the massively heavy iron-clad dinosaur. Slowly, but surely Aggron's weight began to overcome Gallade's strength as he began to tremble. All the while Max felt excited knowing full well that his Aggron had its hidden ability of Heavy Metal thus making the beast twice as heavy as it normally would be. The older trainer needs to get Gallade out of there so ordered Gallade to use Sword dance quickly to push it way just enough to out from under the steel reptilian.
Gleam. Gleam.
As the shine from the sky-blue swords faded Gallade gathered the much need strength before pushing Aggron up about an inch them ducking out of the way letting the behemoth collide onto the ground. Not wasting time brought down a Brick Break upon the rival's back. Aggron cried out in pain from the impact then slowly stood up heavily breathing. Aggron groaned in pain but was still strong enough to stand on its hind legs, "Grrron. Raag." "Aggron how are you doing?" asked the concerned trainer. The iron armor Pokemon simply nodded never taking its eyes from Gallade. Max thought for a moment. "Grrr...Aggron use Shadow Claw," ordered Max. Aggron roared as the shadowy claw stretched towards Gallade. "Gallade jump up as high as you can to dodge it!" yelled out Ash hoping Gallade wouldn't get hit by the attack as Gallade jumped 20 feet in the air. "Oh no, you don't! Aggron!" said Max at his Pokémon. Aggron nodded smiling and all it did was move a finger causing the shadow call to change direction and head straight up a Gallade. Gallade cried out in pain as it was hit with the ghost type move them plummeted to the battlefield below. Through the pain, Gallade still stood up and still blind. "Gallade are you okay do you still want to keep going?" asked Ash concerned. 'I am alright; however I still cannot open my eyes,' replied telepathically Gallade telepathically standing tall. "Do you want to forfeit. That way we can get a look at those eyes. (Gallade nodded no). Okay, then charge straight and use Psycho cut on Aggron!' called out Ash.
"Oh yeah, Aggron charged at them with Heavy slam!' ordered Max. Both Pokémon did as their trainer's told them. The two Pokémon roared as the collided with one another causing each other a lot of damage. The two attacks hitting together were so strong that the bounce off each other throwing the two Pokemon back. Aggron fell near the crowd of people and Gallade slammed into a tree; by sheer luck water that had been contained within the blossoms of the tree fell down soaking Gallade. When they two slowly got back up Ash and Max noticed that their Pokémon were very exhausted. Ash also notice that Gallade could now see again as it had washed his eyes the water. "You ready to do this Max!" said Ash pumping his fist in front of his face with a determined look on his face. "Any time Ash let's do this Aggron use Flamethrower!" commanded Max. "Use Night Slash on the sand!" ordered Ash; Gallade nodded and did as he was told as the Flamethrower came at him. he hit the sand with his Night Slash making the sand jump up as a wall of sand blocking the Flamethrower. When the Flamethrower hit the wall of sand it didn't pass through, but the heat from the fire turned the sand into glass. "What the?" Max spoke as he looked up at the wall of glass.
Ash took the lead, "Good now Poison jab on the glass and send those shards at Aggron. Gallade's hand shone a bright purple as Gallade punched the glass with his fist; breaking the glass and making the shards shoot at Aggron using the force of the punch. "Aggron use Flamethrower now!" yelled Max. "Agg...ron!" roared Aggron shooting out the blast of fire at the incoming glass shards. Passing through the Flamethrower melted the glass but didn't stop the shards, so when the melted glass hit Aggron it stuck to Aggron's cool steel armor. The boiling liquid glass burned Aggron's skin underneath the heated armor making Aggron cry out in pain. "Aggron hang in there you can do it!" said Max worried. "Ggggggrohn," murmured Aggron shriving trying hard to overcome the horrible burning sensation. Ash thought he should wait for Aggron to be able to move before attacking. After a while Aggron was able to move but not as fast due to the hardened Glass on its body. "Aggron you okay do you still want to battle?" asked Max now very concerned for his Pokémon. "Ggron" said Aggron nodding. "Okay, if you say so...Aggron use Heavy Slam!" Max called out. Aggron charged as fast as it could at Gallade. "Gallade dodge it and use Brick Break," commanded Ash. Gallade jumped into the air and landed behind the charging Pokémon. Gallade ran towards Aggron and prepared to use his Brick Break. As Gallade's and came down suddenly Gallade's hand gripped and stooped by something. Both Ash and Gallade flinched when they saw Aggron had caught Gallade's arm. Max grinned widely pushing his glasses back into place so that the light shone off them making them look white. "Hehehe! Aggron now use your Heavy Slam!" ordered Max. "Oh! No! Gallade get away quick!" yelled out Ash with worry on his face but it was too late Aggron had already slammed into Gallade. Ash saw in Aggron crush Gallade under its huge bodyweight he had to think of something fast. 'That's it' Ash thought. "Gallade use Close combat!" yelled Ash with a stern face. Gallade use his strength to unleash a barrage of powerful melee attacks the with final kick throwing the hunk of metal a foot away. See, as he was pinned down by the larger being Gallade was still able to move on of its arms. He then used it to attack and thankfully he was able to mouth Aggron just enough to free his leg which he used in tandem with his arm to attack.
With Aggron off Gallade, Gallade instantly stopped and gasped for much-needed air. Slowly, Gallade got to his feet and glared at Aggron who was also glaring. Both of them now had done serious damage to each other and they both wanted this battle to be over. "Aggron lets finish this use Double-Edge!" Max yelled. "Wait for it...wait for it...Now use Psycho break!" ordered Ash confusing the audience. Just as Aggron reached Gallade Gallade's arm was surrounded by pink psychic energy making the blades on its arms longer which came down hitting Aggron with the force of a brick break and Psycho cut hitting Aggron's shoulder. Aggron slammed into Gallade full force in the stomach greatly causing each other damage and causing an updraft of sand. When the sand settled Aggron and Gallade were still pushing against each other trying hard to keep consciousness. Suddenly, Aggron's eyes widened and plopped to the ground with swirly eyes; Aggron had fainted. The crowd stayed silent for a minute then they roared cheering Ash for his victory. "Aggron is unable to battle the winner is Ash Ketchum!" announced the referee as Gallade felt on one knee. "Huuh, I guess I Ash is still too strong for me," sighed Max returning Aggron to its Pokeball, "Take a good rest I'll take you to the Pokémon Center in a bit." Max took a breath then put his Pokeball on his belt. Both trainers made their way to the center of the battlefield stopping right in front of each other. Ash spoke first extending out his hand to his past travel companion with his trademarked grin, "Max you were awesome out there you and you Pokémon were unbelievable you really trained Aggron well and don't worry you'll beat me next time I'm sure." Ash gave Max a wink then a smirk. Max laughed and shook Ash's hand and replied, "Thanks and I'm so beating you next time Ash!" "I can't wait for it, its gonna be an awesome battle I know it," said Ash happily.
"Very well. My beloved people and esteemed guests. I certainly hope you all are enjoying the astounding Pokemon battles taking place today," the Melemele Kahuna spoke with enthusiasm and in response got a loud roar filled cheers and shout of glee. Nodding he smiled lifting a hand to politely calm the crowd. Finally, when the crowd calmed, he held his stomach laughing full-heartedly, "Ahaha, I am glad to see your excitement. Now for we will be taking a break to allow our trainer to get their Pokemon check out by Nurse Joy. So, we will return for the final battle between May and Ash in an hours' time. Please go and enjoy the fantastic festivities we have for you here today."
A certain coordinator who stood far in the back of the crowd, "Tch," in disgust before turning around and making his way back inside the theatre.
So, the battle between Ash and Max ended with Ash as the victor. AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!